Where we started…
The Institute for the Redesign of Learning (IRL) began in 1974 when its founder, Nancy J. Lavelle, Ph.D., created the Almansor Education Center with four students in classroom space located in a church on Almansor Street in Alhambra, California. With a belief that every student has the ability to “take charge” of their own learning process, Dr. Lavelle established a unique environment, and individualized curriculum, and created appropriate support and enrichment services designed to turn student and client learning failures into learning successes.
Nearly 50 years later, IRL offers six programs designed to provide a continuum of care for individuals ages infants through adults, many of whom have special needs. IRL annually serves over 2,300 children, students, and clients throughout the greater Los Angeles and San Gabriel Valley communities.
What we believe…
Every individual is a learner, whole, able, and complete, just as they are and just as they are not.
Learners are empowered to develop competence in self-identified domains of life concerns.
Learning breakdowns are learning opportunities, not behavior problems.
Learners experience that they are able and capable of making effective choices, and taking personal responsibility.
Our programs
Where we serve…
Almansor Academy
Almansor Academy, a California Department of Education certified non-public special education day school, serves individuals with disabilities that struggle with learning and/or emotional challenges.
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Westmoreland Academy
Founded on the belief that extraordinary students deserve an extraordinary program. We offer a specialized curriculum that meets the individual needs of students while recognizing that they are “Whole, Able and Complete.”
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Clinical Services
Focused on the importance of meeting client needs and empowering youth and their families to take charge of their own success. Our program provides a full array of mental health services for children, youth, and adults (ages 2-21).
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Community Outreach Services
Community Outreach offers training, professional development and research grant participation as part of a comprehensive strategy towards agency improvement and individual needs.
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Transition & Adult Services
Participants are empowered to overcome social and adaptive skills deficits that may prevent them from living and working independently or interfere with their desired quality of life.
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Early Childhood Education
The Early Childhood Education Programs are designed to encourage the social, physical, emotional, and intellectual growth and development of each child.
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